Nutrient Database

Lithium (Trace)

mineral

Approved

General information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

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Overview

Trace mineral found in drinking water.

Research status

Trace lithium in drinking water has been examined in Japanese population studies.

Top 5 food sources

Grains and cereals (especially from high-lithium soil regions)potatoestomatoescabbagemineral water (varies by source)dairy productsmeatfish

Expert opinions

Current Research

Several population studies (Schrauzer 1990 Texas, Kapusta 2011 Austria, Ishii 2015 Japan, Kessing 2017 Denmark) have examined naturally occurring lithium in drinking water. For elemental doses of 0.5 to 5 mg (as orotate or aspartate) there is no established UL.

Recommended dose: 0.5–5 mg (elemental)

Source: Current Research

Dr. Strunz

Strunz regards lithium as an overlooked essential trace element and recommends 1 to 5 mg elemental lithium as lithium orotate. It is contraindicated in renal insufficiency.

Recommended dose: 5 mg (as lithium orotate)

Source: Dr. Strunz

Expert profiles summarise publicly available statements. The named people do not cooperate with Stackwell and have not authorised these summaries. Not medical advice.

Expert consensus: Mixed

Low-dose lithium orotate is the form used as a supplement. Prescription lithium carbonate has narrow therapeutic window. Discuss with a doctor before use.

Lithium (Trace) — Stackwell